Moving to a City Far, Far Away: 6 Tips for Out-of-State Moving

Millions of Americans move to a new state every year. Whether it be for a new job, to be closer to family, or just for a new challenge or a change of scenery, moving out of state is a life-changing event. We won't lie to you, moving requires some work. But that doesn't mean it should be stressful. In fact, moving can and should be very exciting. It's an opportunity to get a fresh start. You just need to know where to look for help and how to stay organized.

Use this guide to make all of the right decisions while planning your out-of-state move. Our customers say these tips helped save them time and money, while making their transition much smoother.

1. Plan, plan, plan – There a lot of questions that need to be answered months before your tentative move date. First, you need to figure out how much you can spend on your move. Will you handle the packing on your own, or will you rely on the movers? What's going to be left behind? What's going to come with you in your personal car or truck? Do you have a strategy for packing? Answering these logistical questions first will help everything run smoother during your move.

2. It's time to finally declutter – Remember that much of the cost of your move is dependent upon the total weight of the shipment. So, it's important to sift through everything in your home and garage. What are the essentials? What are some things that can either be donated or consigned? If you find you have a lot of clutter, consider having a yard sale. Not only will it free up space, but you'll also save time on packing and have some extra pocket money for other moving expenses.

3. Don't wait, start prepping now – When you're planning a move, time is always of the essence. Life doesn't wait for you to be unpacked and settled in, it presses on. So start organizing early. Contact service providers, do research on your new city, look into schools if you have kids and start contacting moving companies as soon as possible.

4. Choosing a moving company – This is perhaps the most important decision you'll make as you prepare for your move. There are a ton of moving companies out there, but they are not all created equal. The easiest way to find the best moving company is to buckle down and do some research. If you find a company online, or if a friend recommends one to you, there are a few key factors to look for, such as professional affiliations or their standing with the Better Business Bureau.

5. Ask your mover plenty of questions – Speaking of red flags to be on the lookout for, your search for the best moving company will go beyond just looking at online testimonials. Do not hesitate to ask your mover questions about their history as a company. How long have they been in business? Are they a member of the American Moving & Storage Association? Are they accredited with the BBB? Do they offer binding or non-binding estimates? What kind of moving coverage do they offer? Is their D.O.T number readily available? Asking these questions will help you determine the company's credibility. The right mover will be able to answer these questions promptly.

6. Packing strategy – Once you've found the best moving company, and have sorted through all of your belongings and have settled on a budget, the next step is to start packing. Any time you move something over a long distance, there is potential risk for damage. The good news is this is completely avoidable. Ask your mover about proper packing techniques and the best packing materials to use. There is definitely a wrong way to pack things, especially fragile things, so don't be afraid to use your mover as a resource.

Have more questions about moving out-of-state? Check out these moving tips and this guide on what to expect when moving. After more than 110 years in the business, we're sure to have the answers you're looking for at Stevens Worldwide Van Lines.